The Indiana State Police (ISP) “receives numerous reports of phone scams each year, but this particular scam involves using the ISP General Headquarters phone number,” the spokesperson said.
The scammer is using a caller ID showing “Indiana State Police” and the corresponding number, 317-232-8248. The caller then identified themself as an Indiana State Police Trooper and tells them they pending drug charges in Texas. The scammer threatens the citizen with arrest if payment is not made.
“The ISP would never call and ask for or demand any sort of payment for any reason whatsoever,” the Indiana State Police spokesperson said.
The ISP remind citizens that scammers are persuasive, convincing, and technically savvy. They often play on your emotions and fears in order to get your personal information and money.
To protect yourself either ignore unsolicited calls from unknown callers or hang up when circumstances become suspicious.
If you have been a victim of a phone scam, you should contact your local law enforcement agency and your bank to stop the payment.
Furthermore, you should never provide your personal information such as date of birth, social security number, or bank/credit card numbers.
Awareness, authorities say, is the first step in protecting yourself from falling victim to phone scams.
